🔗 Share this article

Our planet is facing challenges, yet optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire people to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the unique connection she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it's challenging to be optimistic. Present governance globally represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good which means we need to commence thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic currently is the proliferation of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality has become contested when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”